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Conjunctions in English: FANBOYS and Subordinating

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Conjunctions are the small words that join ideas together, like and, but, because and although. Without them, writing turns into a list of short, choppy sentences.

This guide is for A2 to B2 learners. It covers the seven coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS), how to punctuate them, subordinating conjunctions, and the mistakes learners make most. Three exercises let you practise straight away.

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A quick video summary

Coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS)

Coordinating conjunctions join two equal parts, often two complete sentences, to make one compound sentence. Instead of “David is an accountant. He works in London”, you write “David is an accountant, and he works in London”.

There are seven, and the word FANBOYS helps you remember them:

ConjunctionWhat it doesExample
forIntroduces a reason.I stayed home, for I was tired.
andConnects similar ideas.She sings and dances.
norAdds a negative idea (subject and verb invert after it).He doesn’t smoke, nor does he drink.
butJoins two contrasting ideas.It is small but comfortable.
orIntroduces an alternative.Tea or coffee?
yetJoins two contrasting ideas.It is expensive, yet it sells well.
soIntroduces a consequence or result.It rained, so we stayed in.
Use a comma before a FANBOYS conjunction when it joins two complete sentences (a subject and verb on each side).

Subordinating conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions link a dependent clause (which cannot stand alone) to an independent clause (a complete sentence). They add information about cause, time or condition.

Common ones include because, since, although, if, when, before, after and while.

TypeExample
Cause and effectBecause it rained, we stayed in.
TimeI will call you when I arrive.
ContrastAlthough it was late, she kept working.
When the dependent clause comes first, put a comma after it: “When I arrive, I will call you.”

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Common mistakes with conjunctions

  1. The comma splice. Do not join two sentences with only a comma. Add a FANBOYS conjunction or use a full stop: “I was tired, so I went to bed.”
  2. Forgetting the comma before FANBOYS. When two complete sentences are joined, the comma is needed: “She called, and he answered.”
  3. Forgetting inversion after nor. The subject and verb swap: “He doesn’t smoke, nor does he drink”, not “nor he drinks”.
  4. Leaving a fragment. A subordinating clause cannot stand alone: “Because it rained.” is incomplete; add a main clause: “Because it rained, we stayed in.”

Practice exercises

Try this exercise and check your results straight away.

Quick self-check

Complete or fix each sentence, then reveal the answers.

1. Join with FANBOYS: “It was late. We went home.”
2. Fix: “I was hungry, I made lunch.”
3. Add a comma if needed: “Although he tried he failed.”

Show answers

1. It was late, so we went home.   2. I was hungry, so I made lunch.   3. Although he tried, he failed.

How did that go? Choosing the right conjunction in an exercise is a start; linking your ideas smoothly as you speak is the goal. In a free trial lesson, an experienced native teacher will help you get there.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the seven coordinating conjunctions?
For, and, nor, but, or, yet and so. The word FANBOYS is a memory aid for them. They join two equal parts of a sentence.
What is the difference between coordinating and subordinating conjunctions?
Coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS) join two equal, independent clauses. Subordinating conjunctions (because, although, when…) attach a dependent clause to an independent one.
Do you put a comma before and?
Put a comma before and when it joins two complete sentences: “She called, and he answered.” Do not use one when it just joins two words or short phrases: “tea and coffee”.
Can you start a sentence with a conjunction?
Yes. Starting with and, but or because is acceptable in modern English, especially for emphasis, though it is best used sparingly in formal writing.
What is a comma splice?
A comma splice joins two complete sentences with only a comma: “I was tired, I went to bed.” Fix it with a conjunction, a full stop or a semi-colon.

Key takeaways

  • Coordinating conjunctions are the FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.
  • Use a comma before a FANBOYS conjunction when it joins two complete sentences.
  • Subordinating conjunctions attach a dependent clause to an independent one.
  • When a dependent clause comes first, follow it with a comma.
  • Avoid the comma splice: never join two sentences with only a comma.

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Written and reviewed by the experienced native English teachers at Live English, online since 2007.